From Pie Spice to Billion-Dollar Buzz
1600s
Settlers use pumpkin + spices in pies
1934
McCormick launches "Pumpkin Pie Spice" blend
2003
Starbucks debuts PSL → nostalgia + scarcity + ritual
2010s
Pumpkin spice invades everything (cereal, candles, even SPAM)
2023
$800M annual sales (AP News)
💡 Key Insight:
Pumpkin spice is proof that nostalgia, scarcity, and ritual can build cultural phenomena.
